Jim kindly updated everyone with the progress from the meeting held on August the 20th.

Many thanks to those who came to last night's meeting. It was a bit of a catch-up session more than anything and I brought people up to date with the association's finances and the,current state of play in the 'sponsor a try' initiative.

I'm delighted to report that the balance of the account stands at just over £1400 (sorry, folks, but I've not got the actual figure in front of me). Add the £750 donation for the Whitehaven game, the £2000 towards player salaries ealier in the season and the initial donation to the club of £1000 and, so far this year, the Nest Egg has raised over £5,100 for Rochdale Hornets.

It's been a tremendous effort and show of dedication from everyone involved. It's also been an interesting learning curve and I think we can go much better next season - indeed it was suggested again last night that we should have a concerted recruitment drive.

The Nest Egg is open to everybody and all members contribute what they can - every penny is gratefully received and we can make a real difference.

The 'sponsor a try' initiative that we launched at one of our first meetings is approaching pay-up time!

If everyone who sponsored a player pays up, we should raise over £900 from this - another unbelieveable effort. Brace yourself Dave at the London Branch - you sponsored Paul Smith for £10 a try (he's got 17!) and Pach for a fiver a try (he's got 9!).

If anyone wants a copy of the current standings, can they contact me and I'll get one to you.

On the fundraising front, The Nest Egg will be holding a Quiz Night in the main stand bar at Spotland on Wednesday 24th September. It'll be £5 entry for a team of four - and we'll be auctioning a whole load of Rugby League memorabilia.

If you have any Rugby League memorabilia that you'd like to donate to the auction, please contact me and I'll sort out collection from you.

The poster campaign we ran for the Salford home game proved very successful - so we've done some more for next week's Featherstone game. If you want to take some posters, I'll have them with me at the Salford game on Sunday.

Please try and get one stuck up in your local paper- shop/launderette/kebab house as all publicity is good publicity.

Other news:

The Nest Egg members all signed a card to Paul Owen. All messages of support are gratefully received by Paul. Julie reported that she'd had a reply from him and - crushing boredom apart - he's coping as well as can be expected.

Members also signed a get well message to Hornets vice-chairman Norman Halsall who's currently very ill in Crumpsall Hospital. Best wishes for a quick recovery from your friends at Hornets.

OK, that's pretty much it. After a hectic and stressful last few weeks, it was good to get the Nest Egg back up to full steam.

Please try and get to Salford if you can on Sunday - the lads need and deserve your support. Your voice CAN make a difference.

Thanks everyone

Onward Hornets Onward.

Jim